Europa League League Phase: Olympiakos travels to Marseille
Olympiakos is set to face Marseille away from home on October 15, 2026, at 22:00, as part of the second matchday of the Europa League League Phase. The trip to Marseille marks a significant test for the "red-and-white" side as they look to secure points in their European campaign. The squad announcement comes just before the team's departure for France, signaling the intensity of the upcoming continental competition.
The match represents a pivotal moment in the early stages of the new League Phase format. Following their opening fixture against Djurgården at the Georgios Karaiskakis Stadium, the team must now adapt to the challenging atmosphere of an away stadium in France. Success in this match is essential for maintaining momentum in the Europa League standings.
Imanol Alguacil manages squad selection and injury concerns
Imanol Alguacil has confirmed a 22-player traveling squad, though the roster is notably missing one key attacking asset. The Spanish manager will have to navigate the absence of Leon Bailey, who has been ruled out of the Marseille fixture. According to the club's announcement on October 14, 2026, the Jamaican winger experienced discomfort during yesterday's training session, making his participation impossible for this specific away game.
Alguacil's tactical approach will likely shift to compensate for the loss of Bailey's pace and creativity on the flanks. The manager must now rely on the depth of his current roster to maintain the team's offensive output in France. This injury setback adds a layer of complexity to the preparations for the second matchday of the tournament.
Impact of player availability on tactical setup
The loss of a primary winger forces the coaching staff to reconsider the team's structure. While the squad remains robust, the absence of a player of Bailey's caliber requires immediate adjustments in training to ensure the attacking transitions remain effective against a high-level opponent like Marseille.
Key returns and youth integration in the traveling roster
The squad benefits significantly from the return of experienced players and the inclusion of promising young talent. Most notably, Konstantinos Fortounis is back in the mix after being sidelined for the first matchday against Djurgården due to a suspension. His presence provides much-needed leadership and technical quality in the midfield/attacking areas.
Furthermore, Alguacil has opted to integrate youth into the traveling group to bolster depth. The 19-year-old goalkeeper Georgakopoulos from the B-team has been called up, alongside the midfielder Philis. This strategy highlights the club's commitment to developing domestic and academy talent for high-stakes European matches.
The role of Fortounis in the upcoming match
Fortounis's availability changes the dynamic of the midfield. Having missed the opening game, his integration into the tactical plan will be a priority for Alguacil as the team seeks to control the tempo of the game in Marseille.
Full Olympiakos squad list for the Marseille fixture
The complete list of 22 players selected for the trip to Marseille includes a mix of seasoned veterans and tactical options. The traveling group consists of: Ortega, Stournaras, Georgakopoulos, Saliakas, Smilovic, Pirola, Carmo, Pedersen, Retzos, Bruno, Tiknitzian, Fortounis, Sa, Martins, Puerta, Froiler, Tsikinio, Esse, Philis, Jaremchuk, Silva, and Gonzalez.
This roster provides Alguacil with various profiles to use throughout the 90 minutes. From defensive stability provided by players like Retzos and Pirola to the attacking options offered by Jaremchuk and Silva, the squad is built to handle the rigors of an away match in the Europa League. The inclusion of multiple midfielders suggests a preparation for a contested battle in the center of the pitch.
FAQ
Who is missing from the Olympiakos squad for Marseille?
Leon Bailey is the primary notable absence from the squad. The Jamaican winger felt discomfort during a training session on October 13, 2026, which led to his exclusion from the traveling roster for the upcoming away match against Marseille in the Europa League.
Is Konstantinos Fortounis playing against Marseille?
Yes, Konstantinos Fortounis is included in the squad for the match. He was previously unavailable for the first matchday against Djurgården due to a suspension, but he has now been cleared to travel to France for the second matchday of the Europa League.
How many players are in the Olympiakos traveling squad?
Imanol Alguacil has selected a total of 22 players for the trip to Marseille. This group includes established first-team members, returning players, and youth prospects such as the 19-year-old goalkeeper Georgakopoulos and the midfielder Philis.
Conclusion
Olympiakos enters this Europa League away fixture against Marseille with a mix of tactical challenges and opportunities. While the injury to Leon Bailey presents a significant hurdle for Imanol Alguacil, the return of Konstantinos Fortounis and the integration of academy talent provide necessary depth. The 22-man squad reflects a balance between experience and youthful energy, essential for competing in a high-pressure environment like Marseille. As the team prepares for the October 15 kickoff, their ability to adapt to these roster changes will likely determine their success in this crucial second matchday of the League Phase.
